Ocular Prosthesis, commonly known as Artificial Cosmetic Eyes, is a remarkable medical advancement that has significantly impacted the lives of individuals who have lost one or both of their eyes due to injury, disease, or congenital conditions. These prosthetic eyes are meticulously crafted to resemble a natural eye, not only for aesthetic purposes but also to provide emotional healing and improved functionality to those affected by eye loss. In this article, we will explore the significance, fabrication process, benefits, and advancements in Ocular Prosthesis.
1. Enhanced Aesthetics: The primary benefit of an Ocular Prosthesis is the restoration of a natural appearance, improving the patient's self-esteem and allowing them to move forward with confidence in social settings.
2. Emotional Healing: The loss of an eye can cause emotional trauma. The presence of a lifelike prosthetic eye can aid in emotional healing, acceptance, and adjustment to the new reality.
3. Improved Comfort: A well-fitted Ocular Prosthesis can alleviate discomfort caused by the absence of the eye, reducing irritation and preventing the eyelids from sinking. Normalizing Facial Features: The prosthetic eye helps in maintaining the balance and symmetry of facial features, preventing the face from appearing sunken or distorted.
Eye removal may be necessitated due to intraocular tumor, post devastating eye injuries, painful blind eye and to improve cosmesis in a disfigured eye. After removal of the eye the lost volume is replaced by an appropriate sized ball implant (made of biocompatible material) placed either in the orbit after enucleation or inside the scleral shell after evisceration. Efforts made to attach muscles to the implant for maximum motility. Artificial can also be placed over a small shrunken eyeball to give a natural look and improve cosmesis without surgery.
In our inhouse lab ocularists make artificial eyes. They are made from the highest grade of medical materials compatible with ocular tissues. Initially the impression of the socket is taken and then the custom ocular prosthesis is hand painted to match the color of the other eye taking into consideration minute details like the pattern of blood vessels. Finally the ocular prosthesis is polished and ensures proper fit and comfort restoring the natural
Artificial eye fitting can be done in 2 or 3 visits in the majority of cases. A change of artificial eye may be required in children as per growth of the face and the eye. Adults require less frequent replacements.
